Bill Carter, an amateur astronomer and astro-photographer living in the Julian area, will discuss and explain the types of objects you can observe in the dark winter skies (nebulas, clusters, galaxies and supernova remnants) in the mountains around San Diego. He will illustrate each type of object with deep-sky photographs taken in the backcountry by local amateur astronomers. Carter will also discuss particular bright and interesting objects you can observe in January with binoculars, a small telescope or naked-eye (including deep-sky objects, planets and the Moon). Finally, he will show how you can use a compass, a planisphere (sky map) and star-hopping to find these objects so you can enjoy some of the “darkest” skies in San Diego County.

For more information, contact Interpretive Ranger, Leana Bulay at (858)674-2275 x 14/ Leana@sdrp.org. For more information, including trail maps and activities, visit www.sdrp.org.